Cheri McNary

Cheri McNary believes gratitude starts with an attitude of appreciation that blossoms into acts of goodness. “Gratitude is a positive outlook that can spread. It can change a negative energy to positive,” she says. “The more positive energy spreads, the more it benefits everyone.”

That was certainly Cheri’s experience while undergoing treatment for breast cancer at Baptist Health. “I can’t express how grateful I am to each and every person that I encountered on that journey. I truly believe each and every one of them was put in my path by God.”

From the moment she heard the word “cancer,” Cheri says she’s encountered kindness and compassion at Baptist Health, along with the best-possible care — and for that she’s grateful. “Gratitude is the best medicine,” she says. “It heals your mind, your body and your spirit.”

Cheri finds gratitude in the big things, like her family and a clean bill of health, as well as the little things, like a good cup of coffee and small acts of kindness. One example that comes to mind: While in the recovery room post-lumpectomy, she sleepily told the nurse how much she loves coffee with flavored creamer. “I dozed back off, and then I was awakened by her voice again: ‘Ms. McNary, I made you a cup of coffee and added my special creamer that I keep here at work.’ That was the best cup of coffee!”

Another example of gratitude, she says, is when a longtime friend insisted on covering the balance of her cancer treatment costs. “I said, ‘Oh no, you can’t do that!’ I was in total disbelief.” But the friend insisted, saying they had the money and had been blessed with good health. “I immediately started crying and hugged them! Grateful isn’t even enough to describe how I felt. That is the kindest and most generous thing that someone has ever done for me personally.”

Gratitude is the best medicine. It heals your mind, your body and your spirit.